Services

Charity to run Croydon's leisure services

Fusion will take over the day-to-day management of the borough's leisure centres on November 1 after being chosen from a shortlist of three contractors for the job.

Parkwood Leisure, which currently runs Croydon's leisure centres, did not make the shortlist.

The registered charity will take over control of leisure facilities at Thornton Heath, South Norwood, New Addington and Purley, as well as the sports hall at Monks Hill.

It will also be involved in the new facilities to be built in New Addington and Waddon - both expected to open by 2010.

Fusion will be responsible for setting admission charges but the council said prices would be at a level that people can afford.

The charity is also forecasting higher usage - and greater income - of the council's health and fitness facilities.

Councillor Steve Hollands, cabinet member for culture and sport, said the new contract would ensure residents had access to first-class leisure facilities.

He said: "We are confident that they are the right people to take leisure management forward in the borough and we know they are very excited by the prospect of being in at the launch of three
brand new centres in Waddon, New Addington and the anticipated one at Coulsdon. That's not forgetting that Thornton Heath has only been open a couple of years and the council investment at South
Norwood means it almost counts as a brand new pool.

"We are particularly impressed by their positive approach to health promotion and their plans to encourage people to adopt a healthier lifestyle. This fits in with our own ambitions."

Fusion was set up seven years ago and already operates leisure facilities was in Southwark, Lambeth, Hillingdon and Tunbridge Wells. It has an annual turnover of £7.5million.

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